The Woods Taught Me to Meditate
I started walking in the woods every day in 2020; the woods became a big part of my yoga practice. Day after day I walked the same route, and over time paths through the trees became obvious, I had a path to follow rather than one to remember. These paths are representative of what a steady practice can do, create change, form patterns, and bring ease. The analogies and tie‑ins are endless, and every day I am reminded by my past efforts and dedication.
Just being outside and experiencing changes in temperature and weather, the sounds of birds, wind, and rain, the smell of air, dirt, and leaves, it all showed me how to slow down and notice. I would place my attention on a swerve in some bark, a tree in the distance, the sound of wind or birds, or the sensation of temperature on my skin from air or sun. I tried to sit with that one pointed focus. My mind would inevitably interrupt with other thoughts, so I would either sit with the thought or return to my drishti. Slowly I stopped fighting the interruptions and started inviting them in to assess, learn from, and take inspiration from my self. I found myself asking for guidance from my inner self.
Through this filtering of my thoughts, I began to see the pathways in my mind and noticed many that I wanted to reroute, work on, or close. Walking through the woods led me to stop, sit, and be. The woods taught me to meditate.
This morning, while I walked with my dogs and reflected on all this, I was overcome with gratitude and wanted to share a quick little tour. How does your yoga show up outside the confines of your mat?
